Kiama Power’s Men’s Premier Division team came agonisingly close to pulling off a surprise victory against second-placed Northern District Tigers at Hollymount Park over the weekend.

It was the third time the two sides had faced off in 2025, with the Tigers taking the previous matches 73-34 and 75-56. But this time, the Power nearly flipped the script.

Sitting fifth on the ladder before the game, Kiama started strong and led at every change, taking a 51–30 lead into the final quarter. 

But the Tigers responded with a powerful final term, kicking 33 points to run out 63–57 winners.

“North probably set up a little bit differently in terms of their defence in the last quarter,” said Power committee member Anthony Grady. 

“That really choked us in the end - it shut down our offence. I think we only managed one goal in the last quarter. With the wind behind them, they kept the ball, peppered our goals a few times, and managed to pull away for the win.”

The Kiama Power Men's Premier Division team will now have to win their remaining games and rely on other results to qualify for the finals. Photo: Kiama Power

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Grady said the match showed that Kiama could match it with one of the strongest teams in the competition, which should boost the team’s confidence heading into the final rounds of the season. 

“The Tigers have only lost two games in the last 18 months. They went undefeated last year and only lost the grand final. This year, they’ve only lost to Figtree, who are top of the ladder,” he said.

“Unfortunately, we were just one goal short. But we know we can match it with those top teams - we’ve seen glimpses of it throughout the year. The challenge now is sustaining that level for longer periods.”

With a bye this week, the Men’s Premier Division side will need to win their final two games and rely on other results to break into the top four.

There was better news for Kiama Power’s Women’s Premier Division team, who snapped a seven-game losing streak in style, claiming a 39–22 win over the Tigers. 

In a reversal of the men’s game, the women trailed by two points heading into the final quarter before launching a dominant surge to secure the win.

“It was a good fightback from the girls, particularly in the last quarter, to pull away and get the win,” said Grady.

“It was a much-needed result - they were sitting outside the top four and had to win to stay in the hunt for finals.”

Kiama Power’s Men’s Reserve Grade side also delivered a thrilling comeback, overcoming a 19-point deficit at three-quarter time to defeat a team that had thrashed them earlier in the season. 

Trailing 47–28, the Reserves piled on a whopping 25 points in the final term to seal a memorable win.

“Last time we played them we lost by 50 or 60 points,” said Grady. “So, it was a great turnaround to kick off Saturday with a win. The Reserves can’t make the semifinals, but it’s always satisfying to shake up the teams still in contention.”

While the Men’s Premier Division team has a week off, both the Women’s and Reserve Grade sides will be back in action at home this Saturday, taking on Figtree and Port Kembla respectively.